ECC Algorithm to Enhance Security with Better Key Strength

The ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) algorithm was originally independently suggested by Neal Koblitz (University of Washington), and Victor S. Miller (IBM) in 1985. Although the ECC algorithm was proposed for cryptography in 1985, it has had a slow start and it took nearly twenty years, until 2004 and 2005, for the scheme to gain wide acceptance. ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) is a relatively new algorithm that creates encryption keys based on using points on a curve to define the public and private keys.

Key Benefits of ECC

ECC key is very helpful for the current generation as more people are moving to the Smartphone. As the utilization of Smartphone extends to grow, there is an emerging need for a more flexible encryption for business to meet with increasing security requirements.

Stronger Keys

ECC stands for Elliptic Curve Cryptography is the latest encryption method offers stronger security. If we compare to the RSA and DSA algorithms, then 256-bit ECC is equal to 3072-bit RSA key. The reason behind keeping short key is the use of less computational power, fast and secure connection, ideal for Smartphone and tablet too.

The US government and the National Security Agency have certified ECC encryption method. The mathematical problem of the ECC algorithm, It is harder to break for hackers compare to RSA and DSA, which means the ECC algorithm ensures web site and infrastructure safety than traditional methods in a more secure manner.

Shorter Key Size

The elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) certificates allow key size to remain small while providing a higher level of security. ECC certificates key creation method is entirely different from previous algorithms, while relying on the use of a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. By starting small and with a slow growth potential, ECC has longer potential lifespan. Elliptic curves are likely to be the next generation of cryptographic algorithms, and we are seeing the beginning of their use now.

Minimum size (bits) of Public Keys Key Size Ratio
Security (bits) DSA / RSA ECC ECC to RSA / DSA Valid
80 1024 160-223 1:6 Until 2010
112 2048 224-255 1:9 Until 2030
128 3072 256-383 1:12 Beyond 2031
192 7680 384-511 1:20
256 15360 512+ 1:30

If we examine the above table, there is a considerable growth in DSA and RSA key than ECC key size. A longer key requires more space, more bandwidth, and additional processor power. Even, it will take a time to generate a key, encrypt data, and decrypt the data.

Why Elliptic Curve Cryptography is Required?


Encryption experts are pressed to find ever more effective methods, measured in security and performance, because the threats presented by hackers are ever greater – partly because the hackers themselves become more sophisticated in their attacks, and also because the fallout from an attack gets ever more dangerous as our use of data grows. It creates an urgency of new algorithms with a goal to provide a higher level of security by having keys that are more difficult to break, while offering better performance across the network and while working with large data sets.

Several factors are contributing to its increasing popularity. First of all, the security of 1024-bit encryption is degrading, due to faster computing and a better understanding and analysis of encryption methods. While brute force is still unlikely to crack 1024-bit encryption, other approaches, including highly intensive parallel computing in distributed computing arrays, are resulting in more sophisticated attacks. These attacks have reduced the effectiveness of this level of security. Even 2048-bit encryption is estimated by the RSA Security to be effective only until 2030.

  • Web standards: Business owner has to mull over web server standards. Many web servers running on a single domain name can handle RSA, DSA, and ECC configuration. On the other side, few web servers do not have the ability to handle multiple algorithms and can utilize a single certificate on a single web server.
  • Authentication speed: RSA, DSA, and ECC have diverse velocity for verification and authentication. RSA is a rapid algorithm in terms of client authentication while ECC is faster in terms of server authentication. Signature verification is rapidly in case of RSA key comparing to ECC key. There are transaction types, the processing power of the device; storage capacity, bandwidth, and consumption of power also influence the algorithm selection.
  • Customer’s identity: Many government entities have started to accept DSA and ECC. They required for government subcontracts, government branches for their internal exchange of communication.

The number of connections plays a vital role in selecting algorithm standard. ECC can handle more connections at the same time compare to RSA algorithm. An Organization has to maintain the balance between security, user experience, and IT infrastructure cost involved in network process.

Get ECC Enabled SSL

To give true benefits of enhanced security, certificate authorities have started to embed ECC and DSA algorithm in their SSL certificates. Comodo has started to provide the ECC SSL certificates with keeping the emerging demand of Smartphone and other Compaq devices.

Comodo

If you are looking for ECC SSL certificate at affordable price then buy Comodo SSL certificate from us and get enhanced level security to your website.

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We are authorized reseller of Comodo that make your purchase worthful. You will get premium-class security with Comodo SSL certificates that will establish your brand reputation over the web.

About the Author

Ann-Anica Christian

Ann-Anica Christian has honed her linguistic prowess over 6+ years as a Content Creator specializing in SaaS and Digital eCommerce. With a Master's in Electronics Science, she navigates the complexities of technology, translating intricate concepts into accessible and engaging content. She bridges the gap between transformative software solutions and the customer-centric world of online commerce, portraying a digital ecosystem where businesses thrive through technological evolution and customer satisfaction.

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